Australia: Workplace Risk

Workplace Compliance & Governance: Managing risk (front-end)

To assist with risk management strategies, we offer specialist in-house training to employers and boards aimed at ensuring compliance with workplace regulatory requirements. Our specialised training programs help to inform employers and boards about how to assess legal and practical risks, and the risk management strategies which can be implemented when dealing with workplace change. This includes understanding and managing the obligations of senior management and board members regarding workplace health and safety laws.

We also advise corporations on its compliance obligations under corporate governance regulations and whistleblowing laws under the Corporation laws.

Health and safety is a key workplace risk for organisations. Strategic advice on health and safety matters is paramount particularly when a safety incident has occurred and an immediate response is required. Our team are recognised as leaders in the specialist field of health and safety law and have a dedicated 24 hour number available to clients for immediate response.

As well as health and safety, our team is experienced in managing workplace investigations and allegations of poor performance and workplace misconduct, including bullying, harassment and other unlawful behaviour. We advise on the legal framework and obligations, and work with organisations to identify the appropriate business and management strategy to resolve any concerns and achieve favourable outcomes.

Our practitioners are recognised for their innovative work in this area and for leading the process of establishing the boundaries of the Australian regulatory framework.

Appeals Unit: Greater focus on a more specialised area

We have developed dedicated expertise in the area of appeals and reviews in every jurisdiction. Our offering coincides with the creation of the Fair Work Commission Appeals Unit. The running of an appeal or review requires a different and deeper skill set from running matters at first instance. Our specialist offering:

reviews the first instance material;

develops the case theory;

identifies appeal points; and

works with our in-house or external advisory team (including counsel where briefed) as appropriate.

We provide advice on international labour and employment law requirements such as working hours/overtime, leave requirements, data protection, anti-discrimination and harassment issues; as well as corporate compliance measures such as codes of conduct, whistleblowing and anti-bribery programs.

Our London office operates as Seyfarth Shaw (UK) LLP, an affiliate of Seyfarth Shaw LLP. Seyfarth Shaw (UK) LLP is a limited liability partnership established under the laws of the State of Delaware, USA and is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority with registered number 556927.

Legal services provided by our Australian practice are provided by the Australian legal practitioner partners and employees of Seyfarth Shaw Australia, an Australian partnership.

Our Hong Kong office "Seyfarth Shaw," a registered foreign law firm, is a Hong Kong sole proprietorship and is legally distinct and independent from Seyfarth Shaw LLP, an Illinois limited liability partnership, and its other offices.